While we were still docked in Takoradi and I was off being librarian-about-town with Cynthia, Jr, Sr, and Grandpa had a couple of adventures of their own. On the first day, they and many other SASers toured the fortresses in an area called Cape Coast where slaves were held then sent across the Atlantic. Sr and Grandpa came away with profound thoughts on the value of human life. Jr is still processing the experience, no doubt his thoughts will pop out when we least expect them.
We went on couple of other day tours from Accra, as well. Most were great, some were logistically less than ideal, but all were interesting. Ghana doesn't have many tourist attractions in the conventional sense, but we found plenty to see and do. Our adventures included a small museum, a memorial to a former president, the University of Ghana, a water village, a small game preserve, a hydro-electric dam, and a drumming/dance workshop. We really liked the food, I especially liked the shi-tok pepper sauce that is a condiment served with everything from fish to french fries.
Shopping in the markets, especially in tourist areas, is what you might call a full contact sport in Ghana. However, our Semester at Sea comparative experience came in handy here to help us put things in perspective. I won't mention any specific countries, but we have been in other ports where the selling practices felt just as intense to Americans who are used to shopping in impersonal mega-stores. I hope I don't go into Trader Joe's when I get back and try to bargain for a better price on cookies.
My favorite thing about Ghana has been the warm hospitality, especially from colleagues in Winneba but also from people we met exploring this week. Learning about regional drumming and dance traditions yesterday was a wonderful way to end our stay. Yes, I danced, no, I am not posting pictures of it.
Pictures: fishing boats in Cape Coast; a critter for Mike; Grandpa at Shai Hills Nature Reserve.
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